He promised Cliff on the phone that he'd drive by the Conners' place on his way home. The news he'd received from his right hand man disturbed him. Cliff seldom made a misjudgment on a case, and when he told him how concerned he felt over the Conners family, it bothered Tom. Even though Cliff had a man on Ken, he worried that somehow he might get past him. Would Ken really harm Conners' wife and children? Tom shook his head. "God, that's a scary thought," he mumbled.
When he turned the corner and headed toward the Conners' house, his heart leaped into his throat. He'd swear Ken Weber's BMW, identical to Sandy's except for its color, a light green, had just pulled away from the Conners' house. Tom came to a screeching halt, dashed up the sidewalk to the front entry, and pounded on the front door.
When he received no answer, he called out. "Mrs. Conners, this is the police. Open up."
He heard the faint padding of footsteps. Then the door opened only as far as the security chain allowed.
"Yes, what do you want?"
Autumn Conners had a dark shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The smell of rancid cooking oil, mixed with dirty diapers, drifted out the crack in the door, penetrating Tom's nostrils. He stepped to the side without losing sight of the woman. "Did Ken Weber just leave here?"
"No one has visited me." With that, she shut the door and threw the deadbolt.
Tom walked with heavy steps back to his car. He felt the fatigue of the day taking over. He pulled away from the house and called Cliff on his cell phone. "I can't swear to it, but I think Ken Weber just paid a visit to Mrs. Conners. She's okay, but denied his visit."
"She's lying," Cliff said. "My man just followed him there."
"Why would she lie?"
"Because she's got Ken over a barrel somehow. I think she knows something and is gonna make sure she's taken care of for the rest of her life. What she doesn't realize is that she's dealing with a madman. We'll have to keep a close watch on that family for the next couple of weeks, until we get the test results back from that sports coat. Let's hope we can get him behind bars before he does any more damage."
After they concluded their conversation, Tom felt the last drop of energy drain from his body. There had been few clues in Bud's murder, but with the Conners murder, evidence seemed to be falling into place. Something else nagged at the back of his mind, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
*****
Angie lay in bed in the darkened room, staring at the ceiling. She felt bewildered by her reaction to Tom's touch. The spark she thought had died with Bud, had come alive. But it's too soon, she thought. I've not even had time to realize I'm alone in the world. Bud's murderer hasn't been caught. And all the other things happening. Maybe I'm just vulnerable and miss a man's touch. No, that's not true, she thought. I've certainly got more sense than that.
She rolled over and covered her shoulder. What did Tom think of her response? He noticed something, that's for sure. She'd just stood there staring at him like some silly schoolgirl and he looked so alarmed. Poor guy. All he needs is another crazy woman to deal with. She flopped over on her back, pulling the sheet up around her chin.
Her thoughts went to Marty. Would Melinda press charges? Would the state prosecute her for shooting Melinda with the intent to kill? However, Melinda had attacked Marty and no telling what she intended to do if I hadn't intervened. Would Melinda claim I'd pulled a gun on her? Oh, dear, I could be in some serious trouble. But I couldn't let her hurt Marty anymore.
Even though Sandy ran to Melinda's side when she heard the shots, she may not have seen what happened. Did she think I shot Melinda? She knew I had the gun. Of course, in her state of mind at the moment, Sandy might not have comprehended the situation.
Dear Sandy. You've definitely been through hell these past few days. Before I pick you up in the morning, I'm calling the twins. They should be here. I know you won't agree, but this situation with Ken is boiling. You need your girls with you.
Angie drifted off to sleep, her dreams a jumble of facts and fiction.
Chapter Twenty-six
Ken pulled into his garage and glanced up at the rearview mirror. His mouth twitched when he saw a car slowly pass the house. "Don't get paranoid, you know they're watching you. Act normal," he said aloud. He pushed the button to lower the garage door and went inside the house.
So, you paid a sympathy call on Mrs. Conners. She's in financial straits and Ryan's old Buick is on its last legs. With two babies, she needs a reliable car. "A new car," she said. He slammed his fist against the wall. "I know this won't stop," he yelled. "She'll bleed me dry. What will she want next? A designer wardrobe, which she damn well needs? Or better yet, the house next door to me."
He flopped into a chair and dropped his head into his hands. Then he gradually raised his head, a sly grin curling the corner of his lips. If she's in such financial straits, how'd she hire a lawyer? Maybe that original letter is right there in that damn filthy house. He jumped up and paced the floor. Think, Ken, think. A woman like that. Where would she hide a letter that she didn't want anyone to find? He'd sleep on it and think about it in the morning with a clear mind.
*****
Angie's spirits rose when she arrived at the hospital and found Sandy bright-eyed, dressed and waiting.
"I hope you feel as good as you look."
"The doctor tells me I'm not out of the woods and must control my stress. Fortunately, I didn't completely break down, but almost."
Angie followed the nurse pushing Sandy in the wheelchair toward the exit, when suddenly she stopped in her tracks. Coming from the opposite hallway was another chair being pushed by a volunteer. The first thing Angie noticed were those green eyes staring from beneath the bandaged head. Her arm in a sling, Melinda frowned when she spotted Angie. She motioned for the woman to turn the chair around and they headed back the way they'd come.
Angie hurried forward and got Sandy into the car. She wondered who would be picking Melinda up. She saw no signs of Marty. The only one in the waiting room was a man in shorts and a tank top, with a long braid.. More than likely Melinda's boyfriend.
In the car, she remained silent for a few moments, gnawing on her lower lip.
"What's on your mind, Angie?"
She smiled. "I forget you can read me like a book. I did something this morning and hope you'll approve."
"Oh, what's that?"
"I called the twins."
Sandy stiffened, then relaxed against the seat. "You did the right thing. I've thought about the girls all morning. Thinking how I should let them know what's going on. After all, this is part of their lives."
"I didn't tell them any of the problems associated with Ken. I just told them you'd been under a lot of stress and were in the hospital overnight, but that you were fine and coming back to my place today."
"How did they respond?"
"They want to talk to you."